Suggest Ways To Rule Out Subungual Melanoma

Posted on Thu, 19 Oct 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 Answered on

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have noticed very faint line on my fingertips
Picture attached. I’m concerned it might be
subungual melanoma.
Please advise

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Linear melanonychia - most likely a benign melanocyte proliferation

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you.

I am Dr. kakkar(Dermatologist). I have noted your concern and I have viewed the image.

A faintly dark, thin, uniformly coloured line and with well defined edges along the nail plate is most likely to be due to a benign melanocytic proliferation rather than due to a subungual melanoma. A subungual melanoma usually presents with a broader, variably coloured line (blue, black, red etc) along the nail plate which is illdefined, irregular bordered and usually also extends on to the adjacent nail fold (Hutchinson's sign).

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 minutes later)

How should I follow up?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No follow up needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Its benign. No follow up needed.
You may just keep a watch on it- if it changes over time i.e gets broader, ill defined, irregular, develops color variegation or involves the proximal nail fold.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar